Bill Renfro, CEO of Renfro Foods, Inc., has passed away at the age of 86 after a four year battle with liver cancer. Bill, along with his brother, Jack Renfro, led the company, known for Mrs. Renfro’s salsa, for more than 60 years.
Renfro leaves behind his wife, Angela Renfro, four children, two stepchildren, fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, extended family, his brother and sister, many friends, and generations of employees.
Bill and Jack were inducted into the Specialty Food Association's Hall of Fame in 2016. As CEO, Bill managed the sales, accounting, purchasing, and corporate strategy functions of the business. He also served as president of the Texas Food Processors Association and the North Texas Food Sales Association, and was a founding board member and president of the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of my father—a cheerful businessman who represented our company well for decades,” said Becky Renfro Borbolla, senior vice president of Renfro Foods and past SFA Board Chairwoman. “Dad led this company as one half of its heart and soul, and his legacy will live on in all of us who will carry it forward.”
Renfro Foods President Doug Renfro said “My grandparents started this company 80 years ago, but my Uncle Bill was a huge part of bringing Mrs. Renfro’s into the modern age. We will miss him, and his wit and wisdom, dearly.”
Renfro Foods will be making donations to three organizations close to Bill’s heart and asks for others to do the same in lieu of flowers: the Agriculture Development Fund via the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
A future service will be held at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church prior to burial at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park.